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25 Mar, 2021 by Bhavya
He is very knowledgeable in his area. I consulted him on a issue relating to contract and instantly he gave me the right advice and best course of action. I would highly recommend him.
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20 Oct, 2017 by Ellie
Jan contacted me within a few minutes of reaching out to him on Avvo. He went through the steps I would have to take if I wanted to file a Small Claim and provided insight on how the process all works. Appreciated the time and assistance!
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01 Jun, 2016 by The shop
Jan was so incredibly proficient in the work we requested from him. Timely, professional and truly an expert. We appreciated his work so very much, he pulled us out of bit of a bind! Thank you Jan!
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21 Jan, 2020 by Anonymous
I called and spoke with Attorney Hall, he advised me of my options. I retained him to represent me, He was very professional and did everything he said he would do. I would highly recommend him
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08 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous
After receiving a direct mail solicitation, I called and spoke to Attorney Patrick Alan Hall. Like many other reviewers' experiences, he picked up the phone when I called. He explained the process of traffic court and advised me on my specific situation saying it could be handled by me without an attorney. I attended court myself and the outcome was what he had predicted. Making that 5-minute phone call was invaluable in preparing for court and that appearance saved me quite a bit of money.
I am leaving this review as a thanks to Attorney Hall for talking me through my situation and options and not soliciting me. If you find yourself fighting a ticket, a call to Attorney Hall is worth your time. Thank you, Attorney Hall.
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08 Jan, 2019 by Rusty
I called Patrick last week (Sunday, with 10 minutes before closing time) with questions in regards to a recent speeding violation. Although he didn't need to, he spoke with me and answered my questions in a polite and helpful manner. Personally nervous and never having such a citation before, he walked me through some scenarios specific to me. I couldn't have been more relieved when we got off the phone, and I'd like to return the favor by leaving him this review. Thank you Patrick.
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22 May, 2024 by Aline sellers
James Hiller is the best.. I had worked with several attorneys trying to save myself from eviction by the city of Milwaukee who required me to move or buy the property...My story won't end there I also had fines with the city from 2013....Attorney Hiller came through for he worked out a deal with the city Attorney's Office and I am now a home owner mortgage free. He is the Best....
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22 Nov, 2023 by Gwen
Due to a not-so-good deal I was in, Attorney Hiller provided me with the most accurate details, so that I could make a sound decision. He was very passionate about the legal issues at hand and was determined in seeing it through. He was there every step of the way. I would highly recommend him.
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17 Dec, 2021 by Seth
James Hiller is a very good advocate & Lawyer! Mr. Hiller entered our case and did his job with complete honesty. James could have chased the money ahead of this case and instead he gave us every option available for us to decide the next steps. James saved us thousands of dollars and costly time with his great work. James is also a family man and strong in his belief. Honesty is hard to find!
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25 Feb, 2022 by Chris
Our brother died unexpectedly and shortly afterwards his long-time caretaker and the caretaker’s attorney produced a will that left our brother’s entire estate to the caretaker. My sister and I were surprised that our brother would not discuss such a big change in his estate plan with us beforehand and after talking to some of our brother’s friends, we were told that this will was suspicious and we needed to retain legal counsel to look into it.
Thank Goodness we took their advice and were very fortunate to choose Trevor Lippman of O’Neil Cannon as our representative. My sister and I cannot say enough to praise the hard work and professionalism that Trevor demonstrated. As this was the first time my sister and I had ever been involved in a legal action, we needed a lot of support and explanation. Trevor's communication skills are second to none and he answered all our questions and guided us through all the issues as they developed.
Our case was very difficult and required much time and effort to build the evidence showing that this will was not our brother’s work. With this body of evidence, we then entered mediation with the other party and were very successful, obtaining 88% of the multi-million dollar estate.
More importantly, Trevor and his colleagues with O’Neil Cannon helped us avoid a lifetime of regret in not knowing what our brother’s true intentions were. Through their dedication and hard work, they gave us the truth about what happened. For this we will be forever grateful and can give Trevor Lippman our highest recommendations.
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24 Feb, 2022 by Anonymous
At first it seemed like a typical estate dispute, but we knew that here was something wrong with the fact that my brother would change his will so dramatically without letting us know. We had never had to retain an attorney and had many questions. Trevor carefully explained every aspect of the case as we went along and helped us understand the legal system. Trevor began the investigation and through many twists, turns and complications was able to discover that our concerns were justified and we were able to retain a significant part of the estate. I cannot say enough about Trevor. He is smart and hardworking, he digs deep into the facts, pulling layer after layer together to tell the true story and he was able to remember everything in this complicated case. He kept us informed of his progress and gave us excellent advice. He is stellar in the courtroom. I cannot recommend him highly enough.
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15 Sep, 2020 by Tara
I hired Mr. Lippman for a litigation matter for which I obtained a highly successful result due to Mr. Lippman's outstanding litigation skills and strategy. Mr. Lippman is a whip smart and extremely diligent, reliable, conscientious, thorough and hardworking associate attorney specializing in litigation concerning trusts and estates. Working in concert with partner Carl Holborn, Mr. Lippman was able to develop and successfully execute a multi-faceted negotiation, litigation and settlement strategy concerning a complex legacy family trust. Throughout the several-month pendency of the matter, Mr. Lippman provided superb legal advice and representation. I was routinely impressed with Mr. Lippman’s comprehensive grasp of the legal as well practical and personal issues at stake, and with his excellent judgment, good common sense and consistently comprehensive and thoroughly-considered legal and practical advice considering all aspects of the problem. Mr. Lippman has a unique ability to see the big picture and to keep on top of the myriad details at the same time. He also continually keeps the client well-informed on the progress of the matter and is consistently available for in-depth consultation. Finally, Mr. Lippman is an excellent writer and oral communicator, and is extremely personable and an absolute pleasure to work with on every level. He is always a very strong advocate for his client's best interests, while at the same time providing highly practical, realistic and honest advice that the client needs to hear. In sum, I provide the highest possible recommendation for Mr. Lippman for any litigation matter.
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15 Sep, 2023 by Shannon
I have hired Johnathan twice over the past couple of years. Johnathan is very supportive and understanding. He takes time to listen. He provides clear and thorough explanations of all options and is transparent in his recommendations. Johnathan is honest and straightforward. He truly cares about justice and equity and will advocate with persistent tenacity on behalf of his clients. I recommend Jonathan as a lawyer for employment, labor, business, and real estate matters. I would also recommend Johnathan as a resource for any other legal needs. He is very knowledgeable and provides sound and reliable advice.
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11 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
My husband and I hired Jonathan after having a dispute with a contractor. This was the first time either one of us had ever hired a lawyer. Jonathan was highly recommended by a colleague and we immediately understood why. I texted him requesting urgent help on a Thursday night as our issue was time sensitive. He responded that evening and by Friday morning, we had hired him. He was able to efficiently gather enough information to start addressing our urgent concern that Friday afternoon. Within the week, our situation was resolved to our satisfaction. His responsiveness and professionalism was outstanding. He helped set expectations and educate us. He was upfront about expected costs for our case and when we ended up exceeding that, he honored his initial quote. We are in the middle of an adoption and he told us to take the difference of the quote and actual cost of his services and apply it towards the adoption. It was not expected and he certainly was not obligated to do this but was greatly appreciated. If we ever need a lawyer again, we will not hesitate to reach out. I have already provided his information to another co-worker.
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04 Sep, 2019 by Gail
My job was eliminated after 18 yrs. I was 1 of 3 over age 60 eliminated. Since there were new employees and less seniority employees , i felt i was let go unfairly with age discrimination. Jonathan fought for a new severance contract against the medical corporation and won. He achieved double the severance i was offered per "their protocol" that was unfair. Jonathan was kind, calm, explained what i didnt understand ( which was most legal terminology!) And worked with me as my own advocate. Advising and suggesting. Timely , tenacious ( did not let down his drive to succeed in our goal.) Smart , timely, direct. I consulted and hired him within 2 days of losing my job. Highly recommend Jonathan.
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17 Jan, 2017 by Megan
We're a nonprofit that uses subcontractors to teach workshops and provide storytelling coaching, and over the years, we've developed a good deal of intellectual property such as workshop templates and handouts. Our subcontractors also have access to things such as survey results and participant contact information, so we determined that we should have a subcontractor agreement in place. I reached out to Andrea, and after meeting with me to discuss the specifics, she drafted an agreement which we are now starting to use. She was super helpful throughout the process, answering my many questions with not just the "what" but also the "why". It's a huge relief to have this new tool that will help protect the org's proprietary information - and set clear expectations with our contractors. Highly recommend to anyone else who works with subcontractors.
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10 Jan, 2017 by Noele
Andrea provided coherent counsel to our not for profit arts organization. Her analysis of our FLSA concerns was nuanced and helpful.
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27 Dec, 2016 by Chris
Andrea did great work. She is an expert in the field and helped me determine what to look for in an employment contact.
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26 Feb, 2018 by Anonymous
I contacted Brian Randall who was referred to me from another business associate. I needed help with a vacation of property in the City of Milwaukee. Brian was not only extremely knowledgable, he also did an superior job explaining the tedious process. His communication was excellent during the process and he was prompt at returning emails and voicemails. Brian was also able to refer me to another attorney in his practice who helped me handle the sale of commercial real estate, and I felt that Brian went the extra mile in checking in on the progress just to make sure all my bases were covered.
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28 Aug, 2015 by Ben
I spoke with Brian briefly concerning a government relations project. Although we ultimately chose not to pursue the project, Brian helped us think through our options with clarity and focus that cut straight to the substance of the issue.
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23 Apr, 2015 by James
Brian has an easy going way about him while always being professional and extremely knowledgeable in his field of law. He has made the process of owning a bar/restaurant flow very seamlessly thus far and has been of great help to us in public speaking forums with the city of Wauwatosa.
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12 Dec, 2023 by Parisa
Amazing attorney! Mr. Phillips took the time to understand every detail of our case and concerns, ensuring nothing was overlooked. Extremely hard-working and kept us in the loop. It made us feel valued and respected. I would definitely recommend and thank you for your strategic, thorough, and dedication to the positive outcome of our case.
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16 Apr, 2022 by Marvell smith
Great Family Attorney
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19 Oct, 2019 by Annabelle kallas
Mr. Scott Phillips is a good man and an amazing attorney. He is an advocate for parents. I can’t say enough about how wonderful he is at what he does. I would highly recommend him.
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30 Nov, 2017 by Tony
I have consulted with Patrick on many legal issues in the past and he has been great to work with. He is a great listener and spends the time needed to come up with a solution that benefits his clients. He is very experienced and I trust his judgement. I highly recommend Patrick for any estate planning needs.
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15 May, 2017 by Matt
Pat Hessling provided counsel for our first real estate purchase. As first-time home buyers, he patiently walked us through each stage of the home buying process. He answered all our questions promptly & thoroughly. We will absolutely recommend Pat to friends and family in the future for real estate services.
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02 Mar, 2014 by Michelle
Mr. Hessling was very knowledgeable and walked me through the estate planning process with ease. He responded quickly to all my questions. I have no hesitation giving him the highest recommendation.
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04 Dec, 2020 by John
Thank you for all your work in the Board Of Zoning Appeal and hearing. I would have been lost without your guidance. You did great work and we were successful.
John Torres
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04 Aug, 2018 by John
Andrea was outstanding to work with. She helped us navigate and negotiate an exit from our business. It was a very difficult situation and we were fortunate to have Andrea on our side. She is caring, ethical, hardworking, fair, and honest. We would use her again in a heartbeat.
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27 Jun, 2018 by Linda
Andrea won a lawsuit for 14 very grateful home owners in Southern Wisconsin. In an emotional and polarized context, Andrea made great decisions, was not reactive and focused on a just outcome for her clients. She was responsive and communicative. I am grateful for the expert help from Murdock Law.
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02 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
Jordana was invaluable in helping us navigate a seller-financed real estate contract, negotiations and ultimate purchase. We look forward to using her services in the future!
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04 Apr, 2016 by Sara
Ms. Thomadsen was referred to me by a friend who is also an attorney, but does not specialize in real estate law. We had a complicated property-line dispute with difficult circumstances around adverse possession. We were able to meet with Ms. Thomadsen fairly quickly. She spent more than ample time with us during our consultation learning about our situation, and then educating us about the law, and all of our options. When we decided to hire Ms. Thomadsen, she was clear in what we could expect from her and what she expected from us - when and how she billed, etc. With each exchange of information and updates as we moved through the process, Ms. Thomadsen would take the time to review scenarios and next steps with us. She never pressured us to choose one option over another, but instead provided information, support and her experience so that we could make the best decision for us. She spent as much time as we needed so that we were comfortable in with each step we took. She was timely in her responses, and she was fair in her billing. Our case ended favorably, and best as it could. Ms. Thomadsen was outstanding to work with, and I would recommend her to anyone that needs a real estate attorney.
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28 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
Jordana is knowledgeable, responsive, and a pleasure to work with. She provided insightful advice about our real estate transaction. She negotiated on our behalf and we had the utmost confidence in her abilities. She communicated with us regularly and put our minds at ease. We would definitely recommend Jordana and will definitely work with her again.
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18 Dec, 2018 by Rosa
Mr. Ramirez is very nice and professional. He helped me so much and i would recommend him to anyone. A+
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14 Jun, 2016 by Anonymous
A friend recommended Peter to my son who was charged with domestic violence. It was a complicated issue but having Peter represent him made us all feel more confident that his side of the story would be heard. Result--case dismissed!
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08 Oct, 2014 by Matthew
Peter Ramirez is a lawyer that I have personally observed to do superb work in the area criminal defense in the many cases I have personally watched him handle. In the matter, which he handled for me, it was a family law case, every lawyer's worst night mare. A very bad case, a once in lifetime case it was that bad, with most of the odds and many unfair factors stacked up against our position. Attorney Ramirez really showed his expertise, knowledge, strategic planning to be able to obtain what I believe was the most most favorable of all the possible outcomes that could happened to my surprise, which was clearly not a likely scenario. I and my children will be forever en-debited to him. Had I just went with Peter as my first Lawyer my case would not have spiraled out of control like it did. I give him my highest rating coming from a person that works in a related field. Peter was both compassionate, yet tough. Peter is a well respected member of the Milwaukee Latino Community.
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27 Dec, 2021 by Jeffrey
While it is unfortunate that I needed to engage counsel for an action against one of the major brokerage and investment banking firms, I am very fortunate to have been introduced to Sean Sweeney of Halling & Cayo. Simply stated, Sean is an outstanding attorney!
Sean is smart, professional, methodical and tenacious, which is precisely what I need given the complexities of the case and who opposing counsel is. Additionally, unlike many litigators who come off as being aggressive and combative, Sean is soft spoken, reasonable and tempered. I do not doubt that he can flip the switch when and if he needs to, but his demeanor seems to be that of a deal maker with one eye towards settlement and the other towards trial, as opposed to others who might only want to fight, sometimes at the expense of their clients. I also appreciate how Sean has explained everything in detail and how he quickly responds to my questions.
Although we are not yet finished, I am absolutely confident that Sean will resolve the situation favorably and timely and I look forward to seeing a positive outcome in the end.
It is therefore with great pleasure and no reservations that I can highly recommend Sean Sweeney.
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17 Nov, 2012 by Garyyvonne
Recently hired Sean to review a business contract. We were so impressed with how thorough Sean was. When he met with us to go over the contract, it was obvious he has some mad skills. I would have thought he spent a week studying the contract for how well he knew in it cover to cover. He didn't miss a beat! We later needed his assistance to amend parts of the contract, which he took care of that day, although he didn't think he would get to it until the next business day. His amendments were dead on with what we needed. We are so impressed with his knowledge and the kind & humble, yet confident way he handles himself. He has give us the best experience and service we could ever hope for in legal matters. We will continue doing business with Sean. So happy we had found you!! Thank you Sean!
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15 Oct, 2008 by Denise
Sean was extremely nice and helpful, went out of his way to meet at our home as well as at a coffee shop for our convenience. Yes I would hire this attorney again. We are pleased to assist you. We will gladly hire him for service in the future.
God Bless America!
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02 Nov, 2020 by Michael
Anthony is a great attorney and is very knowledgeable in construction law. He was very responsive to my construction issue and was quick to identify the key issues in our insurance claim. The firm is top-notch!
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12 Jan, 2019 by Sara
While building our new home we had to part ways with our original builder due to plans not being followed and finished the home building project with a second builder.
I talked to two other attorneys that were closer to my location but I chose Anthony even though I would have to work with him remotely because he was not condescending and got back to me within a day (usually hours) instead of days or weeks.
Anthony always responded to my texts, phone calls and emails very quickly. His attitude, approach, knowledge and professionalism was extremely helpful in getting to the end of a difficult new home construction that took 2 years, 2 builders and multiple legal letters. The legal letters were very helpful in getting people to do the right thing when their workmanship or service was poor.
Through multiple issues Anthony helped me understand the different options and then helped me execute the approach.
He also handled any of the difficult contractors that usually wanted to run over me until I started sending their communications through Anthony.
In the end the money I paid Anthony was well worth it and I was very pleased with the outcome (without going to court) regarding ALL of my construction issues.
I would recommend Anthony for any building or remodeling issues.
Thanks
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24 Jul, 2012 by Lisa
I had asked SEVERAL attorneys (including our closing attorney AND our family attorney) and most of them told me just to forget it. ONLY when pressed, the closing attorney (not my family attorney who I count on mind you) told me that we should take it to small claims court at least. All the other people in the transaction made us feel equally helpless and like there was no recourse..including the realtor the home inspector and a few friends, acquaintances and neighbors, etc...all we kept getting was like "too bad"..there is really nothing you can do..or "the same thing happened to us"...TY SOOO much attorney Murdock for letting us know that its not over yet! You rock! Have a great day! If you "remind" me later or I happen to think about it, I will let you know how the case turns out.
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30 Aug, 2016 by Michael
I've hired Mrs. Collins a few times over the years, and have received top notch service. More importantly, when I needed a specialist in another field, she said so, and said she'd help me find one. I highly recommend her.
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30 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
Ms. Collins is always prompt and professional. She explains legal procedures in terms that make sense and does a thorough job of answering our questions and explaining our options to us. Highly recommended.
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11 Feb, 2024 by Linda johnson
15 Sep, 2022 by Diana halligan
19 Jul, 2014 by Henry
She really did a great job helping me with my debt relief case. I was very impressed with how much time she spent researching my bankruptsy issues and was able to pull me out of a pretty rough patch in my life. I couldn't be happier with how things worked out and I really appreciate what she did for me. I would definitely recommend her to anybody looking for a debt relief lawyer!
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09 Oct, 2007 by Anonymous
she researched the subject thoroughly and did an excellent job.
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04 Mar, 2009 by Anonymous
A competent, confident and compassionate, yet no-nonsence practitioner is what I see in Atty Carter. He listened, questioned, and suggested a course of action to collect funds from a real estate seller that failed to disclose a problem that led to a significant expense for the buyer. He wrote a demand letter that cut to the chase and convinced the seller it was better to pay-up.
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03 Mar, 2009 by Anonymous
I would highly recommend Attorney Carter to any individual or business. Attorney Carter has helped me with business transactions and is highly personable and knowledgeable. He kept me informed of the processes every step of the way. He always made himself available via phone email text or fax. He is very efficient, capable and confident and I truly cannot say enough about him. I would recommend him based his ethical and professional practices. I trusted him every step of the way. He has made my life much easier. I am able to focus on my business and he is able to take care of the legal aspects for me.
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21 Nov, 2019 by Anonymous
Christine really took a lot of time with me to evaluate my financial situation. Then, gave me expert and seasoned advice, to help me make the best decision, which was to, unfortunately, file bankruptcy. At first, I was reluctant to do it. However, after weighing all my options, we decided that it was my best option. She supported me through the entire process and made sure everything was taken care of and finalized.
Afterwards, she has guided me forward in making the best decisions to start restoring my credit and security.
I strongly recommend Christine!
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27 Jul, 2019 by Dan
Attorney Kapsos was extremely informative in helping me solve my debt issues. She introduced me to chapter 128 filings, which I was unaware of, and walked me through the entire process. She was professional and kind when helping me solve my problem.
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20 Sep, 2016 by Megan
I highly recommend Jerome Krings. The issues that brought me to his services were addressed quickly and were reviewed impressive detail. He has assisted me with multiple contracts and negotiations. In each circumstance he has brought to my attention concerns I was not aware of. He's passionate about his work and doing it well.
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28 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
Look up a picture of Milwaukee real estate lawyer in the dictionary, and there is a picture of Al. My case did not work out, but I appreciated his effort at my time of need, more than I could ever express. You'd be a fool not to hire Al.
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26 Apr, 2015 by Coby
In my dealings with mr. Finkel I was blown away by his professionalism and attention to detail. Along with his fearlessness, knowledge base and creativity I am certain he is capable of handling whatever ur needs are.
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28 Feb, 2014 by Anonymous
Extremely professional, trustworthy, and caring. We could not have gotten through a very difficult suit without her. We would highly recommend her to anyone needing her services.
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08 Feb, 2022 by Deanna
We were looking for an attorney to help us through the process of selling our dental practice. Jan was recommended to us and I am so glad I selected her. She walked us through the process and made sure that we covered all of our bases. The initial documents and contracts were not laid out very well and in some instances were not accurate as to which entity was selling what. She cleaned things up and made sure that everything was laid out clearly. When things were changed, she left notes for the other side to see why she made the changes, saving time in the review process. She gave us sound advice and made sure that we didn't make any missteps. She always looked out for our best interest and explained things well. She even thought to bring up the possibility of sales tax on the transaction and how to avoid having to pay that. That saved us thousands of dollars right there. Everyone we talked with during the process complimented her thoroughness and organizational skills. I even heard, "Where did you find her? She is awesome!" Jan is also a GREAT writer who was able to describe in our contract how things are supposed to work, in a very concise yet thorough way. She also made herself available when needed, which was important in keeping negotiations moving. I would definitely hire Jan again!
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10 May, 2016 by Tim
Lance has worked with me on a wide variety of critical startup-related legal issues. He responds quickly, acts efficiently and offers large law firm experience at small firm rates. Knowing that he will help when my business needs it and that his help will not break the bank is a real asset. I cannot recommend his services highly enough.
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29 Sep, 2015 by Justin
Steve Berg demonstrated patience and compassion in working with my wife and I and helped us save our home. We are forever grateful to Steve and the other lawyers at Todd C. Esser & Associates. Thank you!
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16 Jul, 2015 by Jason
Attorney Dunn is an extraordinary attorney. He represented me in 2 very complicated adversary complaints to my personal bankruptcy. His knowledge of the law, knowledge of the judge presiding over the case, and his attention to detail are a few of the reasons I won both cases. His preparation for the case was comprehensive. All of the items in our case that he felt were important were specifically referenced by the judge in her written decision. I was truly lucky to have Attorney Dunn on my team.
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20 Jun, 2013 by Anonymous
I hired Attorney Tilleson to assist with a business transaction. He handled it efficiently and professionally, and I'd hire him again.
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20 Oct, 2015 by Anonymous
I hired Nick for 2 very difficult cases, one involving a domestic dispute and the other a very complicated divorce. Nick was truly an advocate for me, he is a expert at the law and an amazing litigator. My divorce did end up going to trial and he was there for me every step of the way explaining the legal process that is so complicated to the average person. He fought hard for me and I am completely satisfied with the outcome of my difficult divorce. He also was able to help me with the domestic dispute issue I had, protecting me and advocating for me, as I never had any legal trouble before. Nick comforted me and made me feel secure and truly advocated for me through a tremendously difficult time. Nick truly cares for his clients and knows the law. I recommend this amazing lawyer to anyone who is going through a difficult time and heading into unchartered waters.
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30 Oct, 2017 by Rich
I was totally impressed.
We had a closing waiting for a letter and she took care of it with no hassles. Saved hard ache for a number of people.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Real Estate Lawyer Can Do for You
A real estate lawyer provides legal assistance in transactions and disputes involving property, including residential and commercial real estate. Whether you're buying, selling, leasing, or developing property, a real estate attorney can help ensure that your transactions are legally sound and your rights are protected. They review contracts, perform due diligence, resolve disputes, and provide legal representation in negotiations and litigation involving property matters.
Real estate lawyers are crucial in safeguarding your investment by ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal real estate laws, as well as protecting you from potential legal pitfalls related to property ownership and transactions.
When Should I Hire a Real Estate Lawyer?
Hiring a real estate lawyer is beneficial in various scenarios, including:
- Buying or selling property: When navigating complex real estate contracts, it’s advisable to have a lawyer review and ensure that the terms are favorable and legal.
- Commercial property transactions: For leasing, purchasing, or selling commercial properties, a lawyer can help manage the intricate legal aspects of such transactions.
- Zoning or land use issues: If you're planning to develop property or change its use, a real estate lawyer can guide you through zoning laws and land use regulations.
- Resolving property disputes: For boundary disputes, title issues, or disagreements over property rights, a lawyer can help mediate or litigate the matter.
- Foreclosures or evictions: If you're dealing with foreclosure or managing a tenant eviction, legal representation ensures that the process adheres to local laws and protects your interests.
- Title and deed issues: Lawyers can help clear title disputes, ensure the legitimacy of property deeds, and handle transfers of ownership.
What Does a Real Estate Lawyer Do?
A real estate lawyer provides a range of services to help with property transactions and disputes, including:
- Contract drafting and review: Ensuring that purchase agreements, leases, and other contracts are legally binding, fair, and protect your interests.
- Title search and clearance: Conducting a thorough title search to ensure that the property has no legal claims or liens that could affect ownership.
- Facilitate closing: Managing the closing process in real estate transactions, including reviewing final documents and ensuring that everything is in order before the transfer of ownership.
- Resolve disputes: Handling legal disputes related to property ownership, boundaries, zoning, or tenants.
- Assist in financing: Reviewing loan agreements and mortgage documents to ensure the terms are fair and legally sound.
- Zoning and land use advice: Guiding clients through the complexities of zoning laws and building regulations for property development or renovation projects.
How Are Real Estate Lawyers Paid?
Real estate lawyers typically charge for their services in the following ways:
- Flat fee: Many real estate transactions, such as reviewing a sales contract or assisting with a closing, are charged on a flat-fee basis.
- Hourly rates: If a lawyer is handling complex disputes or litigation, they may charge by the hour. Hourly rates can vary significantly based on the lawyer’s experience and location.
- Contingency fees: In rare cases, such as property disputes or claims for damages, a lawyer may work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win or settle the case.
- Retainer: For ongoing legal support, some clients may pay a retainer, which is an upfront fee used as a deposit for future legal services.
It's important to clarify the fee structure with your attorney before hiring them to avoid any surprises.
How Much Does a Real Estate Lawyer Cost?
The cost of a real estate lawyer varies based on the complexity of the matter, the location of the property, and the lawyer’s experience. Key factors that affect pricing include:
- Type of transaction or issue: Simple tasks, like contract reviews, typically cost less than handling a complex property dispute or litigation.
- Experience and location: More experienced lawyers or those in high-demand areas, like urban centers, often charge higher rates.
- Billing structure: Lawyers may charge a flat fee for basic services like document review or hourly for more time-intensive work such as disputes or litigation.
Flat fees for straightforward services like closing assistance may range from $500 to $1,500.
Hourly rates can range from $150 to $400 or more, depending on the attorney’s experience and location.
Always discuss fees upfront to understand the overall cost of the legal service you're receiving.
Top Questions to Ask a Real Estate Lawyer
Before hiring a real estate lawyer, ask the following questions to ensure they are the right fit for your legal needs:
-
What experience do you have with real estate law?
Ensure the lawyer has experience in the type of real estate transaction or dispute you’re facing, whether residential, commercial, or development-related. -
What is your fee structure?
Ask how the lawyer charges for services - whether it's a flat fee, hourly rate, or retainer - so there are no surprises later on. -
How long will the process take?
Especially important for real estate transactions or disputes with deadlines, ask for a general estimate of how long the process will last. -
Have you handled cases similar to mine?
Experience with similar transactions or disputes can give you confidence that the lawyer knows how to handle your case. -
Will you handle my case personally, or will it be passed to another attorney?
Confirm who will be handling the bulk of your case work, especially in larger firms where junior lawyers may take on some responsibilities. -
Can you provide references?
Speaking with past clients can give you insight into the lawyer's experience and how they handle cases.
How to Check the Credibility of a Real Estate Lawyer
To ensure you’re hiring a reputable real estate lawyer, take these steps:
- Check with the state bar association: Verify that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing with no disciplinary actions on their record.
- Read online reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on legal directories and platforms like Avvo or Martindale-Hubbell to see what past clients have said.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should have past clients willing to share their experiences.
- Review their track record and expertise: Look at the lawyer’s website or LinkedIn profile for information about their experience in real estate law and any relevant cases they’ve handled.
- Membership in professional organizations: Lawyers who are members of respected legal or real estate organizations, like the American Bar Association’s Real Property Division, often signal credibility and expertise.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make your first meeting with a real estate lawyer productive, you should prepare the following materials:
- Relevant property documents: Bring purchase agreements, lease contracts, mortgage documents, zoning permits, or any other paperwork related to your case.
- A summary of the issue or transaction: Be ready to explain the situation, whether it's a property dispute, contract negotiation, or development issue.
- Questions about the legal process: Prepare a list of questions about how the lawyer will handle your case and what steps are involved.
- Financial documents or loan agreements: If the case involves financing or a mortgage, bring any related documents for the lawyer to review.
- Your goals and timeline: Be clear about what outcome you're hoping for, and if there are any deadlines that need to be considered, such as closing dates or legal filings.
By coming prepared, you can ensure that your consultation is efficient and informative, allowing you to assess whether the lawyer is the right fit for your real estate needs.
